Wizarding World is one of the most beloved franchise among kids, teenagers and young adults since over 2 decades now. Almost all of us have grown up watching the WB films, reading the books, and playing the numerous games in the franchise. And now with Hogwarts Legacy, and the announcement of HBO series, the hype for the franchise is back. However, today, we bring you tribute article as on Thursday 28th September, Albus Dumbledore actor Michael Gambon passed away. In fact, in the recent years, several actors in the Harry Potter franchise have passed away. So, here’s a list remembering these actors who helped create one of the most loved franchises of all time.
Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore
In “Prisoner of Azkaban” movie, Michael Gambon took over the role of Richard Harris and played the character until the end of the series. The British-Irish actor died on September 28, 2023 following a bout of pneumonia at the age of 82.
Richard Harris as Dumbledore
Richard Harris portrayed the role of Hogwarts headmaster Dumbledore in “Sorcerer’s Stone” and “Chamber of Secrets”. The latter was his final movie role. In mid-2022 Harris was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease and died in October 2022 at the age of 72.
Alan Rickman as Severus Snape
Alan Rickman played the role of potion professor as Severus Snape at Hogwarts. Other than Harry Potter, the actor is popular for his roles in Die Hard (1988), Sense and Sensibility (1995), and Love Actually (2003). In January 2016, at the age of 69, Rickman died due to pancreatic cancer.
Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid
One of the most loved characters of Harry Potter, Rubeus Hagrid, half-giant gamekeeper and magical creature professor was played by Robbie Coltrane. In October 2022, the Scottish actor died at the age of 72 due to multiple organ failure, complicated by sepsis. According to BBC, the actor had been ill for two years before his demise.
Helen McCrory as Narcissa Malfoy
Helen McCrory portrayed the role of Draco Malfoy’s mother and Lucius Malfoy’s wife. Her husband Damien Lewis stated on X that she had died “peacefully at home, surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family.” She died of breast cancer in April 2021 at the age of 52.
Richard Griffiths as Vernon Dursley
Richard Griffiths played the role of Harry’s uncle Vernon Dursley. In March 2013, at the age of 65, the actor died from complications following heart surgery. About Time (2013) was his last project which was released a few months after his death.
John Hurt as Garrick Ollivander
In the first and last two Harry Potter movies, John Hurt took on the role of expert wandmaker Garrick Ollivander. In 2017, at the age of 77, Hurt died from pancreatic cancer.
Roger Lloyd Pack as Barty Crouch Jr.
In “Goblet of Fire” Roger Lloyd Pack played the role of Ministry of Magic official Barty Crouch Jr. Pack is popular for his role in British sitcoms Only Fools and Horses and The Vicar of Dibley. In 2014, at the of 69, the actor died of pancreatic cancer.
Verne Troyer as Griphook
In “The Sorcerer’s Stone”, Verne Troyer played one of the grouchy goblin employees, Griphook at Gringotts Bank. Though his character appeared in the final film, it was played by Warwick Davies. In April 2018, Troyer died at the age of 49. As per a coroner’s post seen by the Washington Post, his death was ruled a suicide by alcohol intoxication.
Paul Ritter as Eldred Worple
In “Half Blood Prince”, Paul Ritter played a wizard writer Eldred Worple who offered to pen Harry’s biography. In April 2021, at the age of 54 Ritter died. His family shared a statement confirming he had died of a brain tumor.
Robert Hardy as Cornelius Fudge
Robert Hardy played the Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge in four Harry Potter movies. In 2017, the actor died at the age of 91. In a BBC statement, his family confirmed his death, though they didn’t name the cause of his death.
Robert Knox as Marcus Belby
In “Half-Blood Prince,” Robert Knox played the role of one of the Hogwarts students, Marcus Belby. Harry meets Marcus after being invited to Horace Slughorn’s Slug Club. As per ITV, he was stabbed while trying to defend his younger brother in a fight. The actor died at the age of 18.
Terence Bayler as The Bloody Baron
Terence Bayler played the role of one of the Hogwarts’ resident ghosts The Bloody Baron. According to the Guardian, in 2016, the New Zealand-born actor died at the age of 86.
Dave Legeno as Fenrir Greyback
In the latter Harry Potter films, Dave Legeno played the role of Fenrir Greyback, a werewolf and Death Eater. In 2014, Legeno died at the age of 50 after going missing on a hike in Death Valley, California.
Aside from them, the list continues with:
- Elizabeth Spriggs – Fat Lady (was 78 at the time of death in 2008)
- Leslie Phillips – The Voice of Sorting Hat (was 78 at the time of death in 2008)
- Hazel Douglas – Bathilda Bagshot / Nagini (was 92 at the time of death in 2016)
- Paul Grant – Griphook (was 56 at the time of death in 2023)
- Timothy Bateson – Kreacher (was 83 at the time of death in 2009)
- Sam Beazley – Professor Everard (was 101 at the time of death in 2017)
- Peter Cartwright – Elphias Doge (was 79 at the time of death in 2014)
- Derek Deadman – Tom, The landlord of the Leaky Cauldron (was 74 at the time of death in 2014)
- Alfred Burke – Armando Dippet (was 92 at the time of death in 2011)
- Jimmy Gardner – Ernie Prang (was 85 at the time of death in 2010)
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